Accessibility Links

Kosovo is an independent nation, rules the International Court of Justice

July 23 2010, 1:00am, The Times

The independent Kosovo flagGetty Images

Kosovo declared yesterday that its status as the world’s newest independent country had been permanently secured by a landmark ruling from the International Court of Justice.

In a judgment that will alarm countries with their own separatist movements, the United Nations’ highest court decided that the Balkan republic did not break international law by seceding from Serbia in 2008.

Although the judges stopped short of giving legal recognition to its nationhood, the verdict came as a blow to Belgrade, which, in the first case of its kind, sought the court’s ruling on the secession of a disputed territory.

The 10-4 majority ruling by the judges adds weight to the moral authority of the fledgeling Government in Pristina and has led to expectations that more countries…

Want to read more?

Subscribe now and get unlimited digital access on web and our smartphone and tablet apps, free for your first month.